My Momma taught me to say, “Thank You” and “Please” and to be considerate of others. (I’m not pretending to always be successful.) However, in today’s world, open complaining seems to have become the norm.
Not long ago I flew into the Memphis airport. The plane landed at B20 – the furthest gate from baggage claim. It’s not uncommon to hear people complain about the long walk, particularly when passing a plethora of empty gates along the way.
After picking up my bag at baggage claim, I followed a gentleman into the elevator to the parking garage. I caught a glimpse of another gentleman over my shoulder. Just then, I heard him say in a gruff tone, “Yep……keep walking” as he entered the elevator behind me.
He continued with, “I’m surprised more people haven’t complained about walking so far when the other gates are empty.” I shared with him that the airline was moving to another renovated terminal in the next few months. (My attempt to be positive.)
The first man into the elevator began complaining about the walk to the rental cars. Though I tried to ignore his comments, I was surrounded by negativity.
As the elevator doors opened, I walked off the elevator and headed toward my car. I could hear someone talking. It was the man who followed me into the elevator. He was STILL complaining. Though I was trying to tune him out, I realized it was impossible.
MAN: Loudly, “I left Memphis and it was hot. I got to Florida and it was cold. Now I’m back in Memphis and it’s hot again.”
ME: “Are you talking to me?”
MAN: “I’m just talking to myself.”
ME: Smiled and kept walking.
MAN: “This concrete is too slick. They should do something about this.”
ME: Still smiling. Still walking.
Our parking spaces were close to each other. He got in his Cadillac SUV. I got into my little car and put the top down, thinking it was great weather for a convertible (though he complained it was too hot).
As I rode home, I reflected on the words of strangers. We’re all tired. We all have challenges. And words have power. What would cause any of us to think it’s O.K. to unload our complaints and ‘throw up’ all over total strangers? Pay attention next time you’re in a large group of people. It’s staggering.
Scripture tell us that our words come from our hearts (Matthew 12:34-35). Instead of complaining, let’s try gratitude.
- As I leave the plane in Memphis and the Delta pilots are thanking me for choosing their airline, I make it a habit to say, “Thank you for getting me home”. Many times, they are taken aback, but always express their gratitude for my words.
- Try talking to a manager in a restaurant and letting them know what a good job the server did.
- Or looking the cashier in the eye and telling them they’re doing a good job.
Instead of open complaining, try substituting gratitude and watch the change in people’s faces. Everyone needs to be encouraged.
Rick Kerchoff said, “True happiness is an inside job”. So it is.
